Monday, July 12, 2010

Baby: 31 Weeks

Week 31: Baby is the size of a squash.

This week, Baby D measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too. I will likely continue to have trouble sleeping because baby's kicks and somersaults keep will keep me up. I can find this comforting however; all this moving is a sign that baby is active and healthy.

My friend Marcie has this thing about 10:11. Whether it be the date, October 11 or the time 10:11 - it is not her favorite. It doesn't exactly have any negative associations for me, but when I looked at my phone Friday and saw I had a new voicemail from my OB/GYN at 10:11 a.m., I just knew it wasn't great news - and I was right. They were calling to say I have officially been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. It isn't that I can't survive eating low sugar/carbs, but it is just different when you are pregnant. I am not doing this by choice, I don't get to see the benefits of weight loss and I still struggle with morning sickness from time to time when all I find comforting are carbs like crackers or frozen smoothies. Plus, I am a WIMP when it comes to blood. Pricking my finger multiple times a day? I have been known to pass out at the sight of needles (I said I was a wimp!!). This ought to be interesting, fortunately I don't have long left in this pregnancy.

Good timing, I had one of these yummy owl-themed brownies at my shower the day before my diagnosis. Mmmm!

This was a shower at work - it was very fun even though I was a bit embarrassed. I look at the pics though and I think - wow, I'm getting big. Oh my.

The afternoon of my shower, I left for a meeting and started having some discomfort in my lower abdomen. My friend, Sara, came over that night to help me work on a new project for the nursery (an owl mobile - pics to come soon). I was really having a hard time by this point. We wondered if it was Braxton Hicks or if I had just overdone it that day. I went to bed thinking I'd feel better in the morning. I did NOT wake up feeling better; the pain continued through the night. I had sharp pain in my stomach and it was starting to worry me. I called the doctor's office and they said it was round ligament pain from my uterus stretching and confirmed it could be incredibly painful. They recommended rest (yeah, right), extra water due to the heat and Tylenol every four hours. I was working and couldn't go home, but I did take some Tylenol and get in some extra fluids. That really helped!!

Bill picked me up that night to head over to his brother and sister-in-law's cabin in Leavenworth. I wondered if I was making a mistake considering how I'd been feeling, but fortunately I felt much better and I got lots of rest during our getaway. It was very peaceful with the cool mountain breezes coming through our bedroom window. Thanks, Tom and Molli!

Baby D is still doing great herself. She is kicking away and doesn't mind at all that her Mama couldn't have ice cream cones in Leavenworth (although I did find one flavor of sugar-free gelato) or be doubled over in pain. These issues don't affect baby at all. In terms of the gestational diabetes, controlling my diet will help her to not get too big (a common problem), because I certainly don't need that.

And, not related to anything, but it is just funny. Look who had to check out our borrowed bassinet? I didn't think he'd want in there - there aren't any sheets in it!

5 comments:

I'm sorry to hear about your GD - but at least you're getting closer to the end. And, yes, you definitely want to prevent having a bigger baby if you can (a friend of mine just had a 10 pounder today!!)

I think you look great - big, pregnant bellies are beautiful and, trust me: you'll look back and miss it one day :-)

With my first pregnancy, I was also due in September and could no longer wear my rings at 31 weeks due to the heat so I think you're doing great in that regard, too! We're having a hot, hot, HOT summer here (Ontario, Canada), and I hope you're being spared that there.

I'm so happy that you searched for other "Baby D's" and found our blog! I love your blog and definitely will enjoy following. I love the picture of your kitty in the bassinet! Our kitty was all over the blankie that we bought Baby D, yesterday. So cute!

BTW, you look fantasic! Hang in there...just a few more weeks, now! Well, I'm happy to be a new follower!

I had GD too... and pre-eclampsia... and nausea/tossing cookies the Whole time... you will make it through and be rewarded at the end with more joy and love than you can imagine! loving the current baby in that bassinet!! he he!